Apparatus for making alkalies.



No. 658,576. Patented Sept. 25, I900. P. NAEF.

APPARATUS FOR MAKING. ALKALIES.

(Application filed Mar. 28, 1900.

2 Shoots-Shut I.

(No model.)

msnwmou. n. c

m: nonms PETERS co, mo

No.658,576. Patented Sept. 25, I900 P. NAEF.

APPARATUS FOR MAKING ALKALIES.

(Application filed Mar. 28, 1900.

2 Sh eetsSheet 2.

(No Model.)

Da an/2 0? faaZJi9 m: uonms PETERS co, Pumc-Lrrua, vusmucmn. a. c

UNrrno TATES ATENT UFFICE.

PAULNAEF, on NEW YORK, N. Y.

APPARATUS FOR MAKING ALKALIES.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N 0. 658,576, datedSeptember 25, 1900.

v Application filed March 28, 1900. semi No. 10506. kllo model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that 1, PAUL NAEF, a citizen of the Republic of Switzerland,residing at New York city, in the county of New York and State of NewYork, have invented new and useful Improvements in Apparatus for theManufacture of Alkali Products and Chlorine, &c., of which the followingis a specification.

This invention relates to apparatus for use more especially in themanufacture of alkali products and chlorine from chloride of sodium,said apparatus being applicable also for other purposes which requirethe treatment of various materials with gases.

The apparatus is adapted for the continuous production of bicarbonate ofsoda and chlorine gas according to a process (described and claimed inmy application, Serial No. 3,998, filed February 5, 1900) which consistsof the following steps: first, saturating brine with ammonia gasobtained in a later step of the process; second, treating this saturatedliquor with carbonic-acid gas for the production of bicarbonate of soda,a solution of chloride of ammonium being simultaneouslyproduced; third,cooling the am monium-chloride solution for the separation ofsolidammonium chloride and returning the remaining solution to step 1after saturating the same with solid sodium chloride; fourth, separatingammonia from the solid ammonium chloride by heating the latter with anoxide (preferably magnesium oxide) and returning the ainmonia-gas tostep 1, and, fifth, decomposing the mixture of magnesium oxide andchloride obtained by step t by means of heated air, returning the oxideto step 4, and utilizing the chlorine gas obtained by the decompositionfor the manufacture of bleaching-powder.

Referring to the drawings, Figure 1 shows the general arrangement of theapparatus. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal section of a suitable form ofrevolving cylinder for treating the liquor with gas. Figs. 3 and 4. arerespectively sections on lines a: a: and y y of Fig. 2. Figs. 5 and 6are views of modified forms of perforated or wire-gauze partitions thatmay be employed in the revolving cylinder or cylinders forming part ofthe apparatus.

Referring to Fig. 1, the process is carried out in revolving cylindersA, A, B, B, O, D,

cording to the quantity of precipitate formedin the apparatus; but saidinternal arrangement is such that the liquor and gas passing through thecylinders shall come into intimate contact. At each end these cylindersare closed by a stationary end plate or cover 0, which has a flangefitting loosely into the flange on the end of the cylinder. A suitablepacking is placed. in the space between the two flanges and is tightenedby a loose ring r. The stationary end plate 0 carries suitable gas andliquor pipes. Through the center of this end plate 0 passes the pipe 3,which is connected to the cooling-pipes 2 by a con- Inecting-pipe 4*,Figs. 1 and 2, and which is to be joined to a stationary supply-pipe bya suitable stuffing-box.

The brine used in the process is saturated with ammonia by passing itfirst through a washer A and afterward through a saturator A. The washerA is used for washing the waste gases resulting after the treatment ofthe brine with carbonic-acid gas and is constructed so that the saidgases pass through it in a zigzag path. The fresh brine runs continuallyinto the washer A through pipe 5, and the waste gas leaves, practicallyfree from ammonia, through a pipe 6. The waste gas from cylinder Benters the washer A through pipe 7, and the brine leaves the same apparatus through a pipe 8, which delivers the said brine to the saturatorA.

Ammonia-gas from the fourth step of the process, which is carried out incylinder D, enters this saturator A continuously through a pipe 9. Thegas, which leaves the saturator A through pipe 10, is returned to D, aslater on described. The brine saturated with ammonia leaves thesaturator A through a pipe 11 and passes through settling-tank 12 forremoval of any lime or other impurity precipitated from the brine.

The saturated'brine is treated with carbonicacid gas in the cylinders Band B for the precipitation of bicarbonate of soda. This operation iscarried out with as efficient cooling as possible. This cooling ispartly efiected by circulating water or other cooling fluid through thepipe system in the cylinders B and B. As the cooling-pipes get graduallycovered with scale, which reduces their efliciency, more thoroughcooling is effected by previously cooling the carbonic-acid gas used inthe process. This carbonic-acid gas co mes from a suitable kiln B (to belater on de= scribed) through pipe 13 and passes through a'suitablewasher 14 to remove dust and other impurities. It enters through a pipe14 a suitable gas-cooler B in which it is cooled to low temperature.

The cold gas leaves the cooler B through pipe 16 and enters cylinder B,where the said gas is brought into intimate contact with liquor flowinginto said cylinder B from pipe 17. The unabsorbed gas leaves thecylinder B through pipe 15 and enters cooler 13 Here the said gas isagain cooled and then leaves through pipe 18, through which it enterscylinder B, leaving the latter (practically free of carbonic acid)through pipe '7, by which it is conducted to washer A, as abovedescribed. The brine saturated with ammonia enters cylinder B' throughpipe 19 from settling-tank l2 and leaves B by pipe 20. The said brinethen flows through settling-tanks 21, B and 22 to settle bicarbonate ofsoda. It then enters cylinder B through pipe 17. From the cylinder B apipe 23 conducts the said brine through the settling-tanks 24 and 25, inwhich most of the bicarbonate settled is withdrawn from the conicalbottoms.

The system for treating the liquors with carbonic-acid gas abovedescribed gives a most intimate contact of gas and liquor and veryefficient cooling and can be used for very dilute gases. The said systemrequires very little gas-pressure, which may be supplied by a suitablefan.

The coolers B and B may be of any suitable construction. They can beconstructed on the principle of the locomotive-boiler, and any suitablefluid can be used for cooling. As no'liquor passes through thesegas-coolers, they need no cleaning, and their efliciency does not becomeless as the process proceeds.

If ammoniated brine is treated in the way described, it is noticed thatbut little bicarbonate of soda is formed in the beginning and alsotoward the end of the treatment. Most of the precipitation takes placeduring a middle period. It is therefore of advantage to treat the liquorduring this middle period in an apparatus which allows an easy removalof the bicarbonate of soda and that can easily be cleaned withoutinterfering with the general run of the process.

Such is the absorpsorption vessel B tion vessel B which consists of avertical cylinder having a suitable filling or checkerwork, which givesno resistance and can be quickly removed or cleaned by steaming. Acontinuous flow of liquor is sent into the top of the vessel B throughpipe 27, leading from settling-tank 21 and connecting with a pump 28 fordrawing residual liquor from said settling-tank. During its passagethrough E this liquor meets a current of cold strong carbonic-acid gas.Much of the bicarbonate of soda is thereby caused to settle in theconical bottom of B from which it is withdrawn. The liquor fiows from Binto settling-tank 22 and afterward into cylinder B, in which the lasttraces of bicarbonate of soda are precipitated. It will be noticed thatno attempt is made to get a complete absorption of the carbonic acid inB The object is to throw down as much bicarbonate of soda as possiblewith an excess of carbonic-acid gas and to leave the complete absorptionof the gas to an apparatus moresuitable for that purpose. The gas iscirculated through B by means of a suitable fan 29, which draws carbonicacid from pipe 14, forces it through cooler B and delivers it into Bthrough pipe 15 and returns it through a pipe 14 and fan f to pipe 14which conducts it to gas-cooler B and thence through pipe 16 tocarbonator B.

For the purpose of facilitating the passage.

of the gas through the cylinders B and B a fan f, Fig. 1, is used withadvantage.

The absorption vessel B may sometimes be used by itself for theproduction of bicarbonate. For this purpose and also for giving it alarge capacity it is of advantage to circulate the gas at great velocityin such a way that the same gas may be passed repeatedly through theapparatus. It is also of advantage for the purpose of throwing down alarge quantity of bicarbonate in the vessel B to circulate the liquor atgreat velocity and return the same liquor several times. In this way amost intimate contact of gas and liquor is obtained.

The circulation of gas through the vessel B and cooler 13 is obtained bymeans of the fan 29, aided by a proper manipulation of valves V, V, Vand V as presently described. The circulation of liquor through thevessel B is eifected by aid of the communicating tanks 21 22, pipe 27,and pump 28, Fig. 1.

It may sometimes be desirable to pass carbonic-acid gas direct fromwasher 14 through pipe 14 to gas-cooler B and thence through pipe 16into the carbonator B without carrying said gas through the cooler B andab- For this purpose the valves V and V, Fig. 1, will be closed and thevalve V opened. The fanf will then cause the gas to pass direct fromwasher 14 through pipe 14 to cooler B and thence to carbonator B. Byclosing valves V V, Fig. 1, and opening the valves VV' the carbonicacidgas will be drawn by the fan 29 from bottom with doors 32.

the washer 14 through pipe 14 and forced through cooler B to pipe 15 andinto the absorption vessel B where the said gas will meet the brine orliquor entering said vessel through the pipe 27, after which the gaswill pass off by way of the opened valve V and the fan f and pipe 14 tothe cooler B and carbonator B. By closing the valves V and V and openingthe valves V V a continuous circulation of gas can be maintained throughthe cooler B and the absorption vessel B by means of the fan 29 for theproduction of hicarbonate in the vessel B so long asit is supplied withsuitable liquor.

The arrangement chosen for treating the brine with carbonicacid gas willdepend greatly 011 the percentage of carbonic acid in the gas. In somecases it may be sufiicient to pass the ammoniated brine through B and BFor the purpose of further facilitating the treatment with carbonic acidand to enable a larger production in very small apparatus I produce acarbonic-acid gas containing very little nitrogen. For this purpose Icalcine limestone or other material by means of heated carbonic-acidgas. After the carbonic acid has passed through the limestone it isreheated and passed through the limestone again as often as required.

. The limestone-kiln B consists of a shaft with suitable arrangementsfor continuously charging limestone on top, consisting of a hopper 30and a conveyor 31. The kiln is supported on columns 31 and has a conicalSome distance from the latter are gas-ducts 33 and an annular channel34, and at a higher level, but a considerable distance from the top, aregas offtakes 35 and an annular channel 36. The annular channel 34 isconnected with the bottom of a gas-heater B by means ofapipe 37. Theannular channel 36 is connected to the heater B by means of a pipe 38.By means of a fan 39 a continuous circulation of hot gas is kept upbetween the heater B and the kiln I3 in-such a manner that highlyheatedcarbonic acid enters the kiln B through the ducts 33, acts onthelimestone in B until the temperature of said gas is reduced, (belowthe temperature of reaction,) leaves through the oif-takes 35, and againenters the heater through the pipe 38. The carbonic acid produced by theaction of the hot gas upon the limestone passes through the freshlimestone in the upper part of the kiln B and leaves in cool conditionthrough pipe 13. As the gas thus obtained contains practically nonitrogen, (instead of from sixty to ninety per cent., as is usual inlime-kiln gas,) the absorption apparatus can be of small size, the chiefpoint being to coolthe carbonic-acid gas sufficiently to get a completeprecipitation of the bicarbonate of soda. Carbonic acid is introducedinto the kiln B heated above the point of dissociation of CaOO To avoidany absorption of C0,,the lime is withdrawn in a hot state or a smallamount of air is drawninto the furnace at the point where lime isdischarged. This can be simply done by producing a small vacuum in thefurnace by means of the fan. In the upper part no carbonic acid isabsorbed, because there is mostly limestone present.

The settling-tanks 21, 22, 24, and 25 may with advantage be fitted withagitators g, Fig. 1, in their conical bottoms. The bicarbonate of sodais withdrawn from these vessels in form of a thick sludge and issubsequently washed in a filter or in a centrifugal apparatus.

The liquor which leaves the settling-tank 25 consists of a solution ofchloride of ammonium holding some chloride of sodium. This liquor issubjected to a low temperature in cylinder 0 for the separation of solidchloride of ammonium. The vessel 0 is constructed in a similar manner tocylinders B and B, having a system of cooling-pipes in the interiorthrough which a cooling fluid circulates The cylinder 0 is furtherconnected with a gas-cooler O, which latter consists of a cylindercontaining a system of pipes 40. The space below pipes 40 is connectedwith one end of the cylinder 0 by a pipe 41, and the space above thepipes 40 communicates with the other end of C bya pipe 42. Fan 43 causesa continuous circulation of gas through 0 and O in such a manner thatgas cooled to very low temperature enters 0 through pipe 41, cools theliquor, and thus precipitates ammonium chloride during its passagethrough the cylinder 0, and afterward renters the cooler 0 through pipe42. The gas is cooled in the cooler O by circulating a cooling fluidthrough the space surrounding pipes 40, which cooling fluid enters thecooler O at 44 and leaves the said cooler at 45. As the liquor isbrought into intimate contact with the cold gas in cylinder O theprecipitation of ammonium chloride is rapid, and the apparatus has alarge capacity. The liquor holding chloride in suspension leaves thecylinder 0 through pipe 46 and runs through settling-tank 47, which maybe fitted with an agitator. The ammonium chloride is drawn into asuitable filter 48, where it is washed. The liquor flowing fromsettling-tank 47 consists, mostly, of a so lution of sodium chloride andis returned to the washer A after being saturated with solid sodiumchloride. Apipe 5 for conducting the residual liquor to the washer A isshown in the upper part of Fig. 1; but its connection with thesettling-tank and filter 48 has been omitted from the drawings to avoidconfusion. All the sodium chloride is thus utilized in'the process.

The solid am monium chloride from filter 48 may be treated withmagnesium oxide or other suitable oxide for the evolution of ammoniaaccording to the following reaction:

This reaction takes place in cylinder D, which is constructed ofcast-iron in a similar manj stead of cooling.

ner to cylinder B.' If a pipe systenvis used in the interior of D, it isused for heating in- The use of such heatingpipes is not absolutelynecessary with my system, and I prefer to supply all the heat for thereaction by means of a heated inert gas. The mixture of oxide ofmagnesium and chloride of ammonium is simultaneously heated andagitated, a rapid and complete elimination of ammonia being therebyeffected. This mixture of chloride of ammonium and oxide of magnesium isproduced by discharging the former continuously from hopper 49 and thelatter from hopper 50. The mixture passes through the cylinder D, and amixture of chloride and oxide of magnesium free from ammonia isdischarged into hopper 51. A hot inert gas enters the cylinder D from aheater D through a pipe 52 and leaves the said cylinder, containing muchammonia gas, through pipe 9, which leads to the absorber A. After theremoval of its ammonia in the cylinder A the gas is conducted back tothe heater D by means of the pipe 10. The fan 53 effects a continuouscirculation through heater D, cylinder D, and absorber A, as described.The mixture of chloride and oxide of magnesium is next heated for theproduction of chlorine in furnaces E and E. These furnaces consist ofiron cylinders supported and rotated in any convenient way. At each endthey have stationary plates connected to the furnace by means of astuffing-box similar to the one used on the other cylinders 13, &c. Thesolid material enters the furnace E continuously through a conveyer 52,descends from the furnace E to the furnace E through a pipe 53, and isdischarged from the furnace E into a hopper 54:. The material dischargedfrom the hopper 54 consists of practically pure magnesium oxide, whichis raised to the hopper by means of an elevator 55 and a conveyer 56 andis used over again in the process. The air which effects thedecomposition of the magnesium chloride into chlorine and magnesiumoxide enters the heater E through pipe 57 and in passing through thesaid heater is brought to high temperature. The said heated air thenenters the furnace E through a pipe 58. Dilute chlorine gas leaves thefurnace E through a pipe 59 and after being reheated by passing througha heater E enters the furnace E by means of pipe 60. From cylinder Econcentrated chlorinegas is conducted through a pipe 61 to suitableabsorbers (not shown) for the production of bleaching powder. Suitablefans (not shown) can be used for the purpose of assisting the passage ofthe gas through the heaters E and E and the furnaces E and E.

The operations described are continuous, and the apparatus is of largecapacity. It gives no waste liquor or other waste material. Practicallyall the chlorine and alkali are recovered from the salt. Nopressure-pumps are required for pumping carbonic acid. As no lime isrequired in the process, cement or hydrate of lime can with advantage beproduced as a by-product. As no pumping of the carbonic-acid gas isrequired, ordinary furnace-gases can with advantage be used as.

a source of carbonic acid, in which case the absorption plant is made oflarger size.

The apparatus described is in part applicable for similar purposesrequiring the treatment of various materials with gases.

Referring to Figs. 2, 3, and 4, b is the shell or outer casing of thecylinder. 2 2 are the cooling-pipes, which terminate at each end of thecylinder in plates Z) I). The pipes 2 may be secured to the plates 1) bby means of flanges or by the method usually employed in locomotive-boilers. There is an annular space between each of the plates b band the end plates 12 b of the cylinder, with which spaces the pipes 2communicate. 3 is the coolingfluid-inlet pipe. 4: is thecooling-fluid-outlet pipe, and 4* 4* are pipes respectively connectingthe pipes 3 and 4 with the annular spaces between the plates 1) b and 1111 The cooling fluid enters by the pipe 3, passes through the pipes 2 2,and leaves by the pipe 4, as indicated by the arrows. Each of the endplates b is provided with a flange f, into which fits a stationary cover0, provided with a rim. A suitable packing is placed between the flangef and the cover a, which packing is held in position by an adjustablering r. The liquor enters the cylinder through the pipe 19, and theliquor containing the precipitate leaves the opposite end of thecylinder by the pipe 20. The gas enters the cylinder through the pipe 18and leaves through the pipe 7. The cover 0 is preferably made larger atthat end of the cylinder at which the outlet 20 is situated. Thecylinder is rotated in any suitable manner and is supported by suitablerollers l 1, which run on hoops or bands attached to the cylinder. Theinterior of the cylinder is divided into sections provided withperforated longitudinal partitions 12 b 11 respectively, which may advantageously consist of wiregauze. Between these sections are open spaces8, which are accessible for cleaning purposes through suitable manholest. The said longitudinal partitions of each section are preferablyarranged in radially-oifset positions or at an angle to the longitudinalpartitions of the adjacent section or sections in such manner that thelongitudinal partitions b of one section have the position shown in fullline in Fig. 3, while the longitudinal partitions of the adj acentsection have the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3. Thelongitudinal partitions 19 of the next section can again have theposition of the partitions b". This arrangement insures a very intimatecontact of the liquor and gas in their passage through the cylinder.Vertical cross-partitions p 19 19 respectively provided with openings 0o o are arranged in such manner as to cause the gas to pass throu h thecylinder in a z gzag path.

For the purpose of raising the liquor and showering it on the perforatedlongitudinal partitions as the cylinder revolves lifters in the form ofpipes d d, provided with openings d d, are arranged in the cylinder. Thepipes 61 (I may be formed on or fastened to the longitudinal partitionor they may be fastened to the cylinder. The said pipes may each extendthroughout the cylinder, or if the cylinder is arranged in sections thepipes may also be formed in sections. The pipes d are so arranged thatliquor is discharged through them onto the perforated longitudinalpartitions during the revolution of the cylinder.

In Fig. 5 I have shown a corrugated form of perforated partition for thecylinder, and in Fig. 6 there is shown a partition of wiregauze, whichmay also be corrugated, if desired. The corrugation of these partitionswill act as distributers of the liquor and prevent it from running offthe partitions too quickly.

The operation of the apparatus has been already described with referenceto its various parts and will be readily understood.

Although I have hereinbefore described this apparatus with reference toits operation in the manufacture of alkali products and chlorine, itwill be understood that it is adapted also to various other purposes.

In some cases it is found of advantage to operate the apparatusintermittently, the liquor being treated for some time and atterward runoff through suitable openings which may be arranged in the end plates ofthe cylinder or on the periphery.

Having described my invention, what I claim is 1. In apparatus formanufacture of alkali products and chlorine, and for treatment ofliquids with gases, the combination of a chamber A in which a solutionof sodium chloride is to be saturated with ammonia, one or morecarbonating-chambers B B B in which the ammoniated brine is to betreated with carbonic acid, a cooling-chamber O for cooling the liquorfrom the carbonatingchambers to separate ammonium chloride from saidliquor, a chamber D for treating the solid ammonium chloride with hotgas and a suitable oxide to produce ammonia, a pipe for conducting theammonia from said chamber D to the chamber A for saturating brine, andone or more furnaces E E for driving 01f chlorine from the chloridesreceived from the chamber D, all the said parts of the apparatus beingconnected to permit a How through the same, in one direction, of thematerial being treated and in intimate contact with a flow of gas in theopposite direction.

2. The combination of a chamber in which a solution of sodium chlorideis saturated with ammonia, one or more carbonating-chambers in whichthis saturated solution is treated with cooled carbonic acid to producebicarbonate of soda and a solution of ammonium chloride, acooling-chamber in which solid ammonium chloride is separated from saidsolution, a heating-chamber in which the solid ammonium chloride istreated with hot gas and an oxide to produce ammonia and a chloride, afurnace for decomposing the said chloride to produce chlorine, the saidchambers being arranged consecutively, one above another and above saidfurnace, means for connecting the several cham hers and the furnace, forpassage through the same, in one direction, of the material beingtreated and in intimate contact with gas flowing in the oppositedirection, and means for conducting the ammonia to the chamber in whichthe solution of sodium chloride is saturated with ammonia.

3. The combination of a cooling and saturating chamber for cooling asolution of sodium chloride and in which the said solution issimultaneously saturated with ammonia, one or more carbonatingchambersin which this ammonia-saturated solution is treated with cooled carbonicacid to produce bicarbonate of soda and a solution of ammonium chloride,means for cooling the carbonic acid, a cooling-chamber in which solidammonium chloride is separated from the ammoniumchloride solution, aheating-chamber in which the said solid ammonium chloride is treatedwith heated inert gas and an oxide to produce ammonia and a chloride, afurnace for decomposing the said chloride by heat to produce chlorine,the said chambers being arranged consecutively, one above another andabove said furnace, means for connecting the several chambers and thefurnace, for passage through the same, in one direction of the materialbeing treated and in intimate contact with gas flowing in the oppositedirection, and a pipe for conducting the liberated ammonia to thechamberin which the solution of sodium chloride is to be saturated withammonia.

4. The herein-described rotary apparatus for-the continuous productionof alkali products and chlorine, said apparatus comprising a cooling andsaturating chamber for cooling a solution of sodium chloride andsimultaneously saturating the same with ammonia, carbonating-chambersfor treating said solution with cooled carbonic acid to obtainbicarbonate of soda and chloride of ammonium in solution, means forrepeatedly cooling the carbonic acid, a washer for washing the Waste gasfrom the carbonating-chambers with the sodium-chloride solution to besaturated with ammonia, a cooling-chamber in which to cool theliquidflowing from the carbonating-chambers to obtain solid ammonium chloride,means for returning the residual liquor to the chamber in which thesolution of sodium chloride is saturated with am monia,a chamber forheating the solid ammonium chloride with an oxide to obtain amm'oniagasand a chloride, means for causing said ammonia-gas to circulatecontinuously through the solution of sodium chloride for saturating thesame, and a chamber for decomposing chlorides by heated air to obtainchlorine, all the several chambers being rotatable and arrangedconsecutively, one above another, with connecting devices through whichsaid chambers communicate for passage in one direction of the materialbeing treated and in intimate contact with gas flowing in the oppositedirection.

5. In apparatus for treating liquids with gases, the combination with arevolving washer, and means for conducting gas and liquor through saidwasher in opposite directions, of cooling-pipes extended through thewasher, and means for passing a cooling medium through said pipes.

6. In apparatus for treating liquids with gases, the combination with arevolving cylinder provided with means for passing gas and liquorthrough said cylinder in opposite directions and in intimate contactwith each other, of cooling-pipes extended longitudinally through saidcylinder, perforated lifting devices-arranged in said cylinder, asettling-tank connected with one end of said cylinder and provided withmeans for separately running oit clear liquor and a sludge, and meansfor conducting liquid from said revolving cylinder to and through saidsetthug-tank.

7. The combination of a series of revolving cylinders, means forconducting brine successively through said cylinders. means forconducting am monia through an upper cylinder in a reverse directiontothe flow of brine, means for cond uctingcooled carbonic-acid gas throughthe succeeding cylinders in a reverse direction to the flow of ammoniated brine, agitating devices located in the several cylinders, andcooling-pipes extended longitudinally through said cylinders.

8. The combination of a rotary cylinder, means for passing liquidsthrough said cylinder in one direction, means for passing a gas throughsaid cylinder in an opposite direction and in intimate contact with saidliquid, cooling-pipes extended through said cylinder,and means forpassing a cooling medium through said pipes .in an opposite direction tothe flow of liquid through the cylinder.

9. The combination with revolving cylinders, and an intermediateabsorption vessel 13*, of means for passing liquid continuously throughsaid cylinders and absorption vessel B and means for passing a gaseousfluid through said absorption vessel and cylinders.

10. Thecombination with a revolving cylinder, and a stationaryabsorption vessel B provided with means for discharging its contents, ofmeans for passing a liquid through said cylinder and absorption vessel,and means for passing a gas through said absorption vessel in adirection opposite to the flow of liquid.

11. The combination of a revolving cylinder, means for conduct-ingliquor and a gaseous fluid through said cylinder continuously and inreverse directions to each other, pipes extended longitudinally throughsaid cylinder, means for passing a gaseous fluid through said pipes'forchanging the temperature of said cylinder, and lifting and showeringdevices located in the cylinder.

12. The combination of a revolving cylinder, means for passing li uidand gaseous fluid through said cylinder in reverse directions, numerouspipes extended through the interior of said cylinder, and means forconducting a gaseous fluid through said pipes.

13. The combination of a series of superposed revolving cylinders, meansfor conducting brine successively through the same, means forin troducing ammonia into an upper cylinder, means for conducting carbonic-acidgas and ammoniated brine through the lower cylinders, and means forconductingthe waste gas from the lower cylinders through the firstcylinder on a higher level.

14. The combination of a'revolving cylinder, means for passing liquorand gas continuously through said cylinder in reverse directions,numerous pipes extended through the interior of said cylinder, means forconducting a cooling fluid through said pipes, and devices for showeringthe liquor on said pipes.

15. The combination of a revolving cylinder provided at its oppositeends with inlets and outlets for the passage through said cylinder ofliquor and gas in reverse directions to each other, cooling-pipesextended longitudinally through said cylinder, a settlingtank incommunication with one end of said cylinder, means for continuouslypassing liquor from said cylinder to and through said tank, and meansfor Withdrawing solid material in the form of sludge from said tankwithout interrupting the operation of treating the liquor with gas.

16. The combination with a revolving cylinder for treating ammoniatedbrine With carbonic-acid gas to produce bicarbonate, of a fuel-furnace,means for cooling the waste combustion-gas from said furnace, means forpassing said brine and the combustion-gas in reverse directions to eachother through said cylinder, and means for repeatedly cooling thecombustion-gas and returning it to the brine in said cylinder.

17. The combination of a series of revolving cylinders, means forconducting brine successively through said cylinders, means. forconducting Waste gas through the cylinder through which the brine passesfirst, means for conducting ammonia-gas through the second cylinder, andmeans for conducting carbonic-acid gas through the last cylinder.

18. The combination with a revolving cylinder for producing bicarbonatefrom brine, said cylinder being provided at its opposite IIO ends withmeans for passing brine and carbonic-acid gas therethrough in oppositedi-- der, means for treating the am moniated liquor with carbonic-acidgas in the succeeding cylinders, means for cooling ammoniumchloridesolution in the next succeeding cylinder, after separation ofbicarbonate, a furnace located below the cylinders, and means forconducting ammonium chloride through the same.

20. The combination of a series of superposed cylinders, means forpassing brine continuously and successively through the same, means forsubjecting the brine in the several cylinders successively to the actionof amlnonia, carbonic-acid gas and a cooling inedinm, several superposedfurnaces located below said cylinders, means for passing ammoniumchloride mixed with oxide through an upper one of said furnaces, andmeans for con d noting the mixture thus obtained through a lower one ofsaid furnaces in the presence of air.

21. The combination of a revolving cylinder, means for passing a liquorand a gas through said cylinder in reverse directions, and corrugatedand perforated partitions arranged in said cylinder and alternatelyimmersed in the liquor and exposed to the gas contained in saidcylinder.

22. The combination of a revolving cylinder, means for passing a liquidand a gas through said cylinder in reverse directions, and wire-gauzepartitions arranged in said cylinder and alternately immersed in theliquid and exposed to the gas contained in said cylinder.

23. The combination with a revolving cylinder and corrugated wire-gauzepartitions located in said cylinder, of means for passing a liquid andgas through said cylinder in reverse directions.

24. The combination with a revolving cylinder divided into sections, ofradially and longitudinally arranged partitions located in saidcylinder, the partitions in each section being radially offset from thepartitions in adjacent sections.

25. The combination with a revolving cylinder divided into sections, oflongitudinal partitions arranged in the several sections, and verticalcrosspartitions between said sections and provided with openings.

26. The combination of a revolving cyl inder having at each end an endplate procover fitted into said flange and provided with inlet andoutlet pipes, a system of pipes extended through the cylinder andconnected with said inlet and outlet pipes, and other pipes foradmitting a fluid and a gas into said cylinder to flow theret-hrough inopposite directions.

27. The combination with a revolvingcylinder having end plates providedwith annular flanges, of stationary covers fitted to said annularflanges and provided with inlets and outlets for the passage of liquorand gas in opposite directions through said cylinder, adjustable packingdevices between said covers and flanges, and means for cooling thecontents of said cylinder.

28. The combination with a rotary cylinder provided with inlets andoutlets for the flow of liquor and gas through said cylinder in oppositedirections, of a system of pipes extended through the cylinder for thepassage of a gaseous fluid, and lifters arranged in said cylinder forshowering liquor onto said pipes.

29. The combination with a revolving cylinder having a hollow ring ineach end, of a system of non-perforated pipes communicating with eachring and extending through the cylinder, and centrally-located inlet andoutlet pipes in communication with said hollow rings at the ends of thecylinder.

30. The combination with a revolving cylinder, of a number ofnon-perforated pipes extended longitudinally through said cylinder, anannular pipe at each end of said cylinder and in communication with saidnonperforated pipes, at centrally-located pipe in communication witheach of said annular pipes, agitating devices in said cylinder, andmeans for conducting liquor and agas through said cylinder in oppositedirections and in intimate contact with each other.

31. The combination with a revolving cylinder having its opposite endsprovided with inlets and outlets for the admission of liquor and a gasto flow through said cylinder in opposite directions and in intimatecontact with each other, of non-perforated cooling-pipes extendedthrough said cylinder, and perforated pipes fixed in said cylinder andhaving their perforations so arranged that liquor will be showeredthrough the cylinder during its whole revolution.

32. The combination with a rotary cylinder, of cooling-pipes extendedthrough said cylinder for the passage of a cooling fluid, said cylinderbeing provided with inlets for the admission and outlets for the exitfrom said cylinder of liquid and gas, and perforated pipes arrangedlongitudinally in said cylinder forlifting and distributing the liquidas the cylinder revolves.

33. The combination of a rotary cylinder having its opposite endsprovided with means for the admission to and exit from said cylinvidedwith an annular flange, a' stationary l der of liquid and gas to flowthrough said cyl- IIO inder in opposite directions and in intimatecontact with each other, perforated and Iongitudinally-extendedpartitions radially arranged in said cylinder, and perforatedlifting-pipes for lifting and showering the liquid on said partitionsduring the whole revolution of the said cylinder.

3a. The combination with a rotary cylinder having means for theadmission to and exit from said cylinder of liquid and gas to flowthrough the cylinder in opposite directions, of cooling-pipes in saidcylinder through which pipes a cooling fluid flows, longitudinalradially-arranged perforated partitions in said cylinder, and perforatedpipes for lifting and showering the liquid on said partitions during thewhole revolution of the cylinder.

35. The combination with a revolving cylinder havingits opposite endsprovided with inlets and outlets for passing liquor and gas through saidcylinder in opposite directions, of perforated cross-partitions in saidcylinder, and perforated radial and longitudinally-extended partitionsfor lifting and showering liquor during the Whole revolution of thecylinder.

36. The combination with a rotary cylinder provided with means forpassing liquid and to flow through said cylinder in opposite directions,of cooling-pipes in said cylinder, through which pipes the cooling fluidflows, perforated longitudinal radially-arranged partitionsin saidcylinder, vertical cross-partitions provided with openings, and meansfor lifting and showering liquid on the partitions in saidcylinderduring the whole of its revolution.

37. The combination with a revolving cylinder provided with means forpassing liquor and gas through said cylinder in opposite directions, ofradially-arranged and perforated partitions extended longitudinally insaid cylinder, and vertical cross-partitions located in said cylinderand provided with holes so arranged as to cause the liquor and gas topass through said-cylinderin zigzag paths.

38. The combination with a rotary cylinder provided with means forpassing liquid and through said cylinder in opposite directions, oflongitudinal radially-arranged partitions arranged in sections in saidcylinder, the radial partitions in each of said sections being arrangedat an angle to the radial partitions in the adjacent sections.

39. The combination with arotary cylinder provided at its opposite endswith means for the admission and exit of liquor and gas to fiow'throughsaid cylinder in opposite directions and in intimate contact with eachother, of longitudinally and radially arranged partitions located insaid cylinder in separate sections, with spaces between adjacentsections, and perforated cross-partitions at the ends of the severalsections.

40. The combination with a rotary cylinder provided with means forpassing liquid and gas through said cylinder in opposite directions, ofcooling pipes. in said cylinder, through which pipes the cooling fluidflows, perforated longitudinal radially-arranged partitions in saidcylinder, which radial partitions are arranged in sections with spacesbetween adjacent sections, the radial partitions in each of whichsections being arranged at an angle to the radial partitions of adjacentsections, vertical cross-partitions provided with holes to direct thepath of the gas through the cylinder, and perforated pipes for liftingand showering the liquid onto said partitions as the cylinder revolves.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in presence of twosubscribing witnesses.

PAUL NAEF.

Witnesses:

(J. E. LANGDON, GnRnIr SMITH.

